DOHA: Morocco booked their place in the final of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after a commanding 3-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Monday’s semi-final at Khalifa International Stadium.
The Moroccan national team struck at key moments, with Karim El Berkaoui opening the scoring in the 28th minute after calmly heading home a well-delivered cross. Despite strong resistance from the UAE, Morocco maintained their composure and control as the match progressed.
The UAE began brightly, pressing early and creating chances through captain Yahya Al Ghassani and later Lucas Caio, but Moroccan goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid produced a series of crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten through the attacking movements of Walid Azaro, Anas Bach, and El Berkaoui, going into halftime with a deserved 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw the UAE push forward aggressively in search of an equaliser, dominating possession for long spells. However, Morocco’s disciplined defense stood firm, absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moment to strike. That moment arrived in the 83rd minute when Achraf El Mahdaoui unleashed a powerful effort to double Morocco’s lead.
As the UAE committed numbers forward late on, Morocco sealed the result in stoppage time. Abderrazak Hamdallah made it 3-0 in the 90+1 minute, finishing clinically after a precise pass from Mohamed Bouaksout to cap an impressive performance.
The win continues Morocco’s strong tournament run, having topped Group B with seven points and edged past Syria in the quarter-finals. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, played later on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium, as they chase Arab Cup glory in Qatar.
